In an attempt to make the most of the space I decided to start with the coat closet and address one of the biggest problems – the floor space. I have tried a few different shoe organizers in the past with no luck finding one that would hold the various sized shoes we have. This time around I decided to build my own shelf and with just two boards from the hardware store this super easy solution can be added to pretty much any closet to create additional storage space – which is always a needed thing.

A 1 X 4 piece of lumber was used to create the ‘brackets’ to hold the shelf. {an 8 ft board can be picked up for just under $3}

The board was measured and cut into three pieces; one against the back wall of the closet and two boards used for the ‘sides’. The back board is of course cut to the width of the wall and the side boards are cut the same width of the top ‘shelf’ board. {I used a 2 X 10 piece of lumber for the shelf}

The boards were drilled into the studs for maximum support.

A counter sink bit was used to drill pilot holes into the boards. This is not particularly necessary, especially for this type of project, however it creates a more finished look on the end product.

Counter sink bits can be picked up at the hardware store and attached right to a hand drill – when drilled into a piece of wood they create a hole so once screws are fastened in the holes, the head of the screw is sunk into the wood. Filler or wood putty can then be applied to the hole and conceal the screw all together.

A 2 x 10 was then cut for the top ‘shelf’ board. I did not attach this board as when cut properly it securly fit on top the ‘brackets'; however it can be glued or fastened as needed.

A great solution to free some floor space and create some storage for our boots that we keep in the front hall closet.

This same concept can be used to create a higher shelf in closets as well.

I’ll be sharing the rest of the project later this week which includes a paint job with a little pizzazz using my favorite non-toxic Mythic Paint.

Stephanie, you’re so right …. for shoes,bags, baskets and more you might never enough space.On the closet Variant I’m jealous … a little. In Germany or here in Southamerica nobody build this…crazy, or???

That was how I originally wanted shelving in our coat closet (which looks like the size is similar to yours) but we ended up doing shelves along the short wall instead. I love them, but I would love long ones too!

thank you thank you thank you and again, thank you!!!I’ve been wanting to add shelves in my guest room closet, and laundry room, and daughter’s room… and just about any place I can but thought it was waaaaay harder than it really is. AH! I’m so so so excited that you put this up to show me just how easy it really is!Thank you again

OMG…it really couldn’t be any more simple. Sometimes it just takes a post like this to go…really I can so do that in my space! P.S. We have a pair of those skull/crossbone wellies in our house too. I think I might have to do a post about them..we have an abundance but they are so darn cute!

brilliant!!!! and this looks easy enough for me to do by myself! I’m going to surprise my husband and do it! i know I’ll score major brownie points (i feel bad that he was to walk around my shoes on our closet floor because we only have one little rack for my shoes…I’m doing this for sure! and maybe a couple shelves high

Great way to store all your cool boots I wish I could re-do my closets with those sturdy shelves, we have the plastic coated wired ones- so flimsy!Visiting from BNOTP- Metamorph Monday- stop by and say hi!~http://cookscleansplayswithpaper.blogspot.com/

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